You can set up a Java script that you can download for free that connects to the server/channel that you set. So Where it says Forum and Tutorials, you can squeeze a button that says "Chat" that takes you right to the chat.

There is probably a plugin for phpBB or whatever you're using.

Just makea channel on irc.efnet.net #Biology-Online ... or something =)

I am all IN for the idea of an IRC channel for us ppl. Chk out the applet on http://searchirc.com/irc-biology-1 Just clik on #biology to see the applet.
I guess we cud use somethin like that one.
wat say ppl ?